Are you helping a senior loved one find the right kind of living community to move into, but are unsure about what the right options are? Don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal to get lost in a sea of terminologies after your first Google search on the subject. You might come across various terms like assisted living, memory care, independent living community for seniors, etc. This article will explain the difference between the two major types of senior living communities that you will come across. Once you understand the difference between them, it will be easier for you to figure out your options.

Cost of Assisted vs. Independent Living

One of the key differences between assisted and independent senior living communities is the cost. When it comes to assisted living communities, the payments are usually structured around a monthly rental that covers a wide range of services. It offers housekeeping and maintenance, security services, and three square meals a day, 24/7 observation by nurses, along with a daily 1-2 hours of personal care.

It also includes assistance with activities like showering, using the loo and timely medication delivery. This option comes with a variety of add-ons and you can choose the range of services based on the needs and preferences of your loved one. Although typically, this type of assisted living service is used for people with memory struggles and any physical disabilities.

Conversely, independent living communities usually charge an entrance fee, a percentage of which can be refunded upon withdrawing from the community. It also includes limited services like housekeeping, meals, and some personal care etc. It’s best for senior adults who can take care of themselves, but you just want them to have an easier time doing so.

Medical Services

In an assisted living service, which is usually opted for because the older adults in the program have medical challenges, medical services are usually part of the package. It not only includes assistance with day-to-day activities but also provides round-the-clock medical attention, symptom monitoring, administration of medication, and any necessary emergency protocol from the trained staff immediately. These living facilities also tend to have resident geriatric care doctors on site at all times to ensure the patients are taken care of.

Whereas in independent living communities, most older adults tend not to need any medical assistance, so aside from any nursing staff present to help during a medical emergency, the older adults take care of their own medical needs, such as regularly taking the medication, doing workouts, and making sure they are eating nourishing meals.

Structure of Community

Assisted living communities tend to be smaller, with a defined structure. It is designed in a way that most of the residents’ needs are met within the facility. They are designed this way so that people who have special needs, such as memory support, can be kept safe and secure, and also ensure that people who are disabled have easier access to facilities. If an assisted living facility has a memory support program, it tends to be even more carefully designed.

As opposed to assisted living facilities, independent living communities tend to be designed in groups of multiple buildings with an outdoorsy setting for people to be able to roam around freely. It’s essentially like living in a colony. Independent living communities tend to have communal spaces like shared dining areas, lounges and bars for people to hang out together and chat mainly to encourage social connection among peers.

Interaction With Families

In assisted living facilities families are expected to play a proactive role and are encouraged to regularly visit their loved ones who have dementia or Alzheimer’s to help support them. Members of the family with the name in records, or legal guardians, are constantly kept updated about the state of the residents.

In independent living communities, families are encouraged to stay in touch as well, but the decision to meet with the family members or how engaged they can be with a resident’s life most depends on the resident themselves. If they are willing to welcome their family, then the family is allowed to visit.

Conclusion

Depending on the type of living setup your loved one might need, either of these two could work well for them. If they require memory support, for instance, you would ideally be choosing assisted living with memory care services to make sure they remain safe. But if they are perfectly capable of taking care of themselves, a nice independent living community with lots of greenery would be the perfect spot to camp for them.